Printing telegraph apparatus



BEST AVAlLABLE cop? April 1939. A. H. REIBER 2,773

BRINTING TELEGRAPH APPARATUS Filed Nov. 2'7, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR ALBERT H. REIBER BEST AVAILABLE COPY April 4, 1939.- A HI R' .B v 2,152,773

PRINTING TELEGRAPH APPARATUS Filed Nov. 27, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3

29 I ea 40 86 i 42 87 4 I06 66 64 so as |22 |o4 67 6O 0 8| |2|- |o 4 o 12 2a 3a a3 ----7 90 6| 72 z 615 2] 6m 84 4s Y 4 ,MMM as 37 36 4| o o 98 f 92 34 I02 97 JI 93 99 I07 96 94 FIG. 4 43 64 2| INVENTOR ALBERT H. RE IBER 5 ATTOR Y Pasta Apr. 1', 193 9 a BEST AVAILABLE COPY UNITE stars- .-ra'r true Albert H. Reiber, Evanston, Ill, assignor to llleletype Corporation, Chicago, 11111., a corporation of Delaware Application November 27, 1935, Serial No. 51,751

13 Claims.

This invention pertains to printing telegraph apparatus and more particularly to such apparatus capable of tabulation recording.

It is the principal object of the invention to provide in a recording device a simple, efiicient, and reliable tabulating device which is operable automatically at predetermined intervals for controlling tabulation recording.

A feature of the invention'resides in the provision of cam means effective automatically at predetermined intervals to insert an extra character space without interrupting transmission or reception of character code signals.

The above and other objects of the present invention are accomplished by the provision in a printing telegraph apparatus of the type disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 1,904,164, of a tabulator bar which extends across the front of the machine and is pivotally carried by brackets mounted in the typing unit and capable of swinging toward and away from the type carriage. The tabulator bar carries a number of adjustable members which determine the positions at which the type carriage is automatically spaced a plurality of character spaces during the time interval corresponding to a single character code signal. The spacing mechanism of the printing apparatus comprises a multi-toothed ratchet adapted to cooperate with a pair of pawls which are actuated by the printing bail to function as an escapement mechanism so that, upon each revolution of the main shaft, the spacing worm gear associated with the spacing ratchet is permitted under normal operating conditions to escape one tooth at a time and hence to rotate through a corresponding angle.

According to the present invention, the use of a function lever to accomplish multiple spacing of the type carriage is obviated, and instead the tabulator bar acts directly upon a space pawl release lever through the instrumentality of a cam surface formed at the lower end of a depending arm integral with the tabulating bar. As the type carriage passes any one of the adjustable members, the tabulator bar is rotated so that the cam surface causes similar rotation to the pawl release lever to raise the rear end thereof. When the rear end of the pawl release lever is raised, it lifts, through suitable linkage, the upper space pawl out of engagement with the tooth of the spacing ratchet. While the upper space pawl is thus disengaged, the lower space pawl returns to its normal position free of the teeth on the escapement ratchet, thus permitting the spacing worm gear to make approximately one complete revolution instead of only a fraction of a revolution during the time that the main shaft rotates through one revolution, and therefore the carriage will be spaced continuously a distance, per revolution of the main shaft, which is in excess of the normal spacing distance.

It is obvious that the spacing ratchet may be provided with any number of teeth, and hence the number of character spaces capable of being procured during a complete revolution of the spacing ratchet is governed by the number of teeth on the spacing ratchet. Of course, the width of each space is governed by the conformation of the teeth on the spacing worm and the gears cooperating therewith. Furthermore, by governing the duration of disengagement of the upper space pawl any intermediate number of spaces may be procured during a single rotation of the operation of main shaft. To bring the carriage to rest after tabulating or multiple spacing, it is necessary to permit the upper space pawl to drop again into engagement with a tooth on the spacing ratchet. This latter function is effected whenever the cam element assembled to the traveling type carriage passes out of coactive relation with the adjustable members carried by the tabulator bar. Normally, the tabulator bar is biased toward the type carriage and at predetermined positions of the carriage the cam element forces or earns the tabulator bar forward or away from the carriage, against spring tension, and in doing so causes the pawl release lever to be acted upon by the cam shoe or surface to disengage in turn the upper space pawl for a period of time determined by the contour of the cam face of the adjustable member, after which period the upper space pawl again falls into engagement with a tooth on the spacing ratchet to bring the carriage to rest. With the apparatus according to the present invention, a received message may be recorded in such a manner as to form automatically a record made up of a plurality of vertical columns of equal width.

A better understanding of the invention may be had from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein,

Fig. 1 is a partial front elevation of the printing apparatus showing the application of the tabulating and lock-out mechanisms thereto;

Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view of the printing apparatus corresponding to Fig. 11 in Patent No. 1,904,164 with the addition of the multiple spacing mechanism according to the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a detail rear elevation of the spacmg mechanism of the printing apparatus covered by said patent.

In the accompanying drawings like reference characters indicate similar parts throughout. For a complete understanding of details not disclosed herein which form no part of the present invention, reference may be had to U. S. Patent No. 1,904,164, issued April 18, 1933, to S. Morton et al.

Briefly, having reference to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, a printing apparatus to which the tabulating mechanism of the present invention is applied comprises a typing unit which includes a primary selecting mechanism indicated generally as I! (Fig. 2) which is of the sword-and-T type disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 1,745,633 to S. Morton et al. (fully disclosed in the first mentioned patent), and a secondary selector or selector vane assembly indicated generally as E2. The selector vane assembly l2 controls through a series of bell cranks l3 (Fig. l) a corresponding series of curved code bars i l carried in a movable type carriage. As set forth in the first mentioned patent, this type carriage, indicated generally as 95, is movable longitudinally in respect to a stationary platen indicated generally 55 (Fig. 3). The type carriage 55 also carries a ribbon feed mechanism indicated generally as !7.

Referring particularly to Fig. a motor 18 supplies power through gear IE to a main operating shaft 2! which carries the spacing mechanism indicated generally as 22, and the selector cam assembly indicated generally as 23. As is known in this type of device, power is communicated from the motor to the driven. shaft through a grab clutch such as 25. Portion 24 of grab clutch 25 constantly rotates with the shaft 2!, which has also frictionally connected thereto the spacing mechanism 22 and the selecting cam drum 23. Portion 24 is cooperatively engaged with the driven portion 26 when throw-out lever 2'! is operated in timed relation with the reception of code signals.

The spacing mechanism 22, which will be de scribed more in detail hereinafter, controls, through gear 28, shaft 29, gear 2-H, and rack 32 (Fig. 3), the movement of type carriage l5 to form character spaces, tending in this movement to wind up the carriage return spring mechanism indicated generally as 33. Upon receipt of the carriage return s gnal, function bar 36 is actuated selectively in the manner described in Patent 1,904,164 so as to permit spring to rotate lever 36 suddenly against stop 3'! to raise, through hell crank 33, portion 39 of grab clutch M. Carriage return mechanism 33 is thereupon permitted, due to the energy stored up therein, to return the carriage l5 to its normal or beginning-of-line position.

Positioned in operative relation with and parallel to the main operating shaft 2i is an auxiliary shaft :37! on which are carried various mechanisms; for example, printing bail 43, function lever bail and the escapement mechanism for the spacing mechanism 22. The printing bail 43, which is actuated by a printing spring (not shown) in proper timed relation in the operative cycle, functions to reciprocate a pull bar operating member M to cause the operation of a type bar, as clearly described in the aforementioned patent.

BET dWllifiQLE PW The selector vanes as set forth in Patent No. 1,904,164 control a series of function levers which are pivoted on a common pivot rod 46 and are assembled in a slot in the function lever comb 4?. The function levers 45 are provided with individual springs 18 tensioned between each lever and the printer frame, which tend to rotate the respective function levers i5 about pivot 2-55 but, as clearly set forth in Patent No. 1,904,16l, are restrained by the function lever bail 4! acting through rod 50 on arm 50.

Before describing further the tabulating or multiple spacing mechanism, a detailed description of the spacing mechanism will be given. Having reference to Figs. 3 and i there is shown mounted on the main shaft 26 and located centrally of the apparatus a sleeve member 5! which comprises escapement ratchet 52 and spacing worm 53 which are operably connected thereto.

Sleeve member Si is operably connected to the hub of a disc 5 by means of inter-engaging tongue and groove members 55. Collar 56 is pinned to main shaft 25 and is rotatable therewith. Interposed between disc and collar 56 is disc 5'! of frictional material; for example, felt.

By means of a helical compression spring 53, sleeve 5! is frictionally connected to shaft 2| through the friction clutch comprising members 54, 56, and 5?. Sleeve 5! is thereby rotatable with main shaft 2! unless arrested by the escapement pawls of the spacing mechanism 22, as will presently appear.

Referring to Fig. 3 it will be noted that ratchet 52 is provided, for example, with three teeth or notches 6|, Sid, and 52b, the escapement of which will allow the type carriage 15 to be moved forward one step or character space for each actuation of the printing bail 43. As indicated, the escapement mechanism comprises a pair of pawls or levers G2 and 63, pivotally mounted on bail shaft 12, and lever (i l adjustably fixed to printing bail ,3. Spring normal y tends to bias levers 52 and 53 toward each other, since it is common to both levers. Lever S2 is normally urged by spring in a counterclockwise direction so that laterally disposed end engages tooth 6! of ratchet thus arresting the rotation of said ratchet. Lever is normally held out of engagement with ratchet against the tension of spring by the action of lever 5 against laterally disposed end 6'1.

Lever 64 is pivotally connected to printing bail 43 at E8 and is provided at 69 with a slot and screw adjusting means, whereby the correct relative position of escapement levers t2 and $3 with respect to ratchet 52 may be determined. The spacing operation occurs immediately following or subsequent to the printing of a character in the following manner.

Upon the printing of a character, the printing bail 43 oscillates and in so doing controls the operation of lever arm During the initial portion of the clockwise movement of arm 54, lever 63 under the action of spring :35 also rotates clockwise to bring the laterally end 12 into the path of tooth (iia. It is noted that, due to the space indicated at '58 between arm 64 and laterally disposed end ll of lever 62, the latter lever has not been acted upon. and end 66 thereof remains momentarily in engagement with tooth 61. However, upon the further clockwise movement of lever M, similar movement is imparted, through laterally disposed end 1!, to lever 62, thus effecting the disengagement of end 66 from tooth 6i and permitting ratchet disposed 5 7 Ill ill

Till

52 to rotate slightly in a clockwise direction under the influence of friction clutch members 54 to 51 (Fig. 5) until arrested by the engagement of tooth Bla with laterally disposed end 12 of lever 63 which lever, as was noted, was free torotate in a clockwise direction under the tension of spring 85 into the path of oncoming tooth Bla. Ratchet 52 is thus restrained from rotation by lever 63 until the completion of the printing of a character at which time printing bail 43 and associated lever 64 are caused to rotate in the opposite direction by the action of a printing cam (not shown). Restraint of lever 62 by lever 64 through end TI is thereby removed, permitting lever 62 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction under the influence of spring 65 into the path of tooth Glb of ratchet 52. During this counterclockwise movement of lever 84, and after the aforementioned release of lever 62, lever 63 is caused to rotate in a like direction due to the action of lever 84 on end 6'! thereof, thereby disengaging end !2 of lever 63 from tooth 6m and allowing ratchet 52 to continue its rotation until arrested by the engagement of end 66 of lever 62 with tooth Gib. It is observed that with the escapement mechanism just described there is a period of overlap wherein ends 68 and 72, due to the space indicated at iii, are efiective simultaneously to prevent the escapement of ratchet 52, the ends 86 and i2 being otherwise alternately engageable to permit the escapement of ratchet 52.

It is obvious that since worm 53 and ratchet 52 are integrally connected to sleeve 5|, said Worm 53 will have normally the same intermittent or step-by-step motion as was hereinbefore seen to be imparted to ratchet 52. Worm 53 is meshed with worm gear 28 (Figs; 2 and 3) which is loosely mounted on vertical shaft 29, and is operably connected theretoby means of jaw clutch 4! (Fig. 3). Worm 53 and gear 28 are so related, according to the present embodiment, that onethird revolution of worm 53 will rotate gear 28 through a distance which, through gear 3! and rack 32, causes the type carriage to be stepped forward one character space.

From the foregoing it will be observed that character spacing occurs automatically with the printing of each character; that is, the spacing function is merged into the printing operation. It is well known that there is a code combination allotted to each type bar, but it is possible, however, to employ a code cc-mbinaiton, commonly known as the spacing signal, which is identified with no type bar but which will nevertheless init'iate the printing operation. Therefore, the spacing between words is accomplished in ex actly the same manner as set forth when a spacing signal is received, except that no type bar is operated and consequently no character is printed. I

In accordance with the present invention, multiple spacing may be effected automatically under predetermined operating conditions. The mechanically operated tabulating arrangement of the present embodiment comprises a tabulator bar Si extending across the front of the printing apparatus, as shown in Fig. 1, which is provided with depending portions 82 and 83 through which bar 8! is pivotally mounted on bracket 8 carried in the printer frame. Thus tabulator bar 8! is adapted to be swingable toward or away from the type carriage i5. Bar 8| is also provided with a longitudinal slot 85 extending substantially the entire length of the-bar. In this SESTAVNLABLE COPY 3 slot are carried adjustably movable members 86 which are adapted to be clamped to the bar 8| by means of screws 8'! and clamps 88 individual to each member 86 (Fig. 3). As indicated in Fig. 2, these members 86 are each provided with an inclined or cam portion 89, conformed to provide quick action upon cooperation with a cam element i l I carried by the type carriage, to efiect the multiple spacing operation. In the embodiment shown, the bar BI is biased normally toward the element Hi (and hence the type carriage l5) by a spring H8 (Fig. 2) so that members 86 are normally presented in the path of element Hi, whereby at predetermined points,

governed by the arrangement of members 88,

element ill will cam a member 86 rightwardly, as viewed in Fig. 3, to impart clockwise movement to bar 8i about pivots 88 and 98.

Tabulator bar 85 is also provided, intermediate the depending portions 82 and 83 (Fig. 1) and suitably positioned relative to the spacing mechanism, with another depending portion 9|. Attached to and depending from portion 9! is a bar 92 the lower end of which is provided with an inclined cam portion 93 which cooperates with stud 94 carried at the end of arm 98 of a lever 97 pivoted at 88 to a support 99 secured to the function lever comb 47. Bar 92 is also provided with a retaining portion .95 spaced from portion 93. At the end of arm 562 of lever 9? is pivotally I carried a vertically extending member m3, the

upper end of which is provided with a pair of arms Hi4 and M5. The arm m5 is adapted to cooperate with a stud we carried by escapement lever 62.

end 88 from ratchet 52 is governed by the contour of cam portion 89 on member 8% which is so conformed as to delay the counterclockwise rotation of lever 97 suflieiently to elfect the desired amount of rotation-of ratchet 52. For example, if the cam portion 89 is so conformed as to permit ratchet 52 to make approximately one complete rotation, the carriage IE will be stepped or spaced a distance which is in excess of the normal spacing distance, or a number of spaces equivalent to one less than the number of teeth on the spacing ratchet, in the time interval allotted to the reception of a single code combination. For practical reasons the maximum spacing obtained per revolution of the spacing ratchet wheel is not equivalent to the total number of teeth thereon, because it is necessary to stop spacing while printing is effected in order to allot. sufiicient time to procure a smoothly operating printing operation. Theoretically, it is possible to permit a complete rotation of the spacing ratchet wheel, but in that event the time allotted for printing is shortened so as to require a very sudden printing blow, thus necessitating a slower speed of operation. On the other hand, if the ratchet 52 is only permitted to rotate less than a complete revolution, the spacing movement of carriage l5 will likewise be correspondingly less. or equivalent (in number of spaces) to the number of teeth which are permitted to escape laterally disposed portion 66.

Furthermore, since the carriage [5 moves, upon a single revolution of ratchet 52, a number of spaces equal to the number of teeth on ratchet 52, it is obvious that if a spacing ratchet 52 is employed having a greater number of teeth thereon (than which is indicated in the drawings), the carriage l5 will be moved a correspondingly greater number of spaces per revolution of the spacing ratchet. However, according to the specific disclosure, the cam. portion 89 is so conformed as to cause the spacing operation to be prolonged sufiiciently to add one extra space to the normal spacing operation, so that at intervals determined by the spacing of members 86, an additional space is added automatically between adjacent characters.

From the foregoing, it is observed that the carriage i5 is spaced normally a single step upon each cyclic or oscillatory movement of printing bail 43. The same effect would be achieved at those instants when cam element iii coacts with members 86 were it not for the cam portion 93, the function of which is to cooperate with cam portion 59 to prolong the action of the spacing mechanism to produce multiple spacing. Thus when the coaction between element l l l and a member 86 coincides with the effectuation of a recording operation, the tabulator bar 8! will be rotated clockwise. and cam 93 will cause like rotation to lever 9'! substantially simultaneously to the oscillation of printing bail 43 to eifect, through vertical member I83, the disengagement of end 65 of pawl from tooth 6!. However, printing bail 43 returns immediately to its counterclockivise position tending to return pawl 67., and hen e end G6, into engagement with the succeeding tooth on ratchet 52, and if it were not for cam ever 9'! would be returned to its counterclockwise position prematurely to permit pawl 62 to respond to the movement of printing bail 43, and consequently multiple spacing would not be achieved. Therefore. due to the cam portion 93, escapement pawl E52 remains disengaged from ratchet '2 until element iii passes member 85, at which time tabulator bar 8! responds to the pull of its spring H6 and returns to its counterclockwise position. viewed in Fig. 3, thus removing cam 353 from stud 94, whereupon lever 9'! is free to respond to the pull of its spring N17 to return to its counterclockwise position shown in 3. Escapement pawl 932 is thus restored to its effective position after having permitted the carriage Hi to be moved the predetermined number of character spaces.

Cam member ill is pivoted at H2 (Fig. 2) on a portion H3 integrally formed on a bar H5 which is comparable to bar 53 shown in Fig. 1 of Pat nt No. 1,904,164 employed. for retaining the bell rank levers l3 in operable relation to vanes it'll. Cam ill normally tends to rotate in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Fi 2) about pivot H2 to the action of spring H5. but its clockwi e rotation is limited by the coaction of a stop pin carried thereon, with the end of bar I i Thus upon the rightward movement of type carriage i5, cam iii, due to its non-rotatability further n a clockwise direction, will, by its cam.- rning action on member 36. actuate tabulator bar 8i outwardly; but upon. the leftward movement of type carriage i5, cam ii! upon striking the series of members 86 will be rotated counterclockwise age st the action. of spring H6 sufiiciently to escape the cam portion 89.

In the event that it is desired to use the printer disclosed in the drawings, in the normal manner, that is, without the automatic multiple spacing feature according to the present invention, a cutout means is provided for disabling the vertical arm I83 carried on lever ill. The cut-out means Figs. 2 and 3, comprises a link it! pivotally connected at I22 to member H23 and at I23 to armature 524 of an electromagnet i255 mounted on a bracket E26 carried in the printer frame. When the magnet 525 is deenergized, the armature I24, link HM, and member 33 will respond collectively to the pull of spring 12'! (Fig. 3) to bring arm H35 out of registry with stud Hi6, the arm I04 acting as a limiting stop to the actuation of member Hill by spring Hi. In this manner, further actuation of bar 8i by element l M will be ineifectual to disengage pawl 62. The magnet I25 may be included in a local circuit controlled by a manually operable switch, so that when the circuit is closed the magnet l2ii will be energized and member 563 will be actuated to present arm 15 into cooperative relation with stud I06.

It is, of course, understood that it is intended to cover not only the spe ific embodiment disclosed, but also such changes or modifications as come within the spirit of the invention or scope tuated means for altering the action of said a spacing mechanism, and cam initiated means operable through said cam actuated means for automatically prolonging the action of said spacing mechanism independently of said second recited means a predetermined amount.

3. In a recorder, printing and spacing instrumentalities, means responsive to the printing instrumentality for controlling the spacing instrumentality, said spacing instrumentality including a pawl and a ratchet wheel, adjustable means, and means operated directly by said adjustable means for a period predetermined by its characteristics for moving said pawl free of said ratchet wheel to alter the eiiectiveness of said spacing instrumentality.

4. In a recorder, printing and spacing instrumentalities, means responsive to the printing in strumentality for controlling the spacing instrumentality, said spacing instrumentality including a pawl and a ratchet wheel, adjustable means, and means operated directly by said adjustable means for a period predetermined by its characteristics for moving sa pawl free of said ratchet wheel to alter the effectiveness of said spacing instrumentality independently of said printing instrumentality.

5. In a recorder, spacing means including escapement pawls and a ratchet wheel, means movable normally under control of said spacing means to form character spaces. means for controlling extended operation of said means operated at certain character spaces, and means operated directly by said third recited means to move one of said pawls free of said ratchet wheel to cause said spacing means to operate immediately.

6. In a recorder, means to effect recording operations, means to actuate said means to effect character spacing, pawl and ratchet means to limit the movement of said recording means through said mechanism to a single character space at a time, a cam having a particular contour, and means directly responsive to the operation of said cam for moving said pawl free of said ratchet for efiecting spacing to an extent dependent on the contour of said cam.

'7. In a recorder, means movable to form character spaces, power driven means for causing such movement, a pawl and ratchet escapement mechanism controlling said power driven means, an element operated at certain character spaces, and mechanism actuated directly by said element for moving said pawl free of said ratchet to effect additional character spacing.

8. In a recorder, means movable to form character spaces, power driven means for causing such movement, an esc-apement mechanism including a pawl and ratchet wheel, an element operated at certain character spaces, and mechanism actuated through said element for moving said pawl free of said ratchet wheel to allow operation of said movable means.

9. In a recorder, means movable to form character spaces, power driven means for causing such movement, an escapement mechanism including a pair of pawls normally drawn toward each other and a ratchet wheel, an element operated at certain character spaces, and mechanism actuated through said element for moving one of said pawls free of said ratchet wheel to allow operation of said movable means.

10. In a recorder, means movable toform character spaces, power driven means for causing such movement, a ratchet escapement mechanism including a pair of pawls normally drawn toward each other, an element operated at certain character spaces, and mechanism actuated through said element for disabling one of said pawls to allow an additional period of operation of said movable means.

SEST AVAILABLE COPY 11. In a recorder, means to effect recording operations, spacing means therefor, means responsive to said recording means for operating said spacing means, said spacing means comprising a pair of pawls and a ratchet member to limit the movement of said recording means to a single character space at a time, and cam initiated means effective at predetermined points for causing said spacing means to insert an additional character space, said cam initiated means including a further cam means to move one of said pawls free of said ratchet member to effectuate directly the disablement of said spacing means to enable the insertion of said additional character space.

12. In a recorder, means to effect recording operations, spacing means therefor, means responsive to said recording means for operating said spacing means, said spacing means comprising a pair of pawls and a ratchet wheel to limit the movement of said recording means to a single character space at a time, cam actuated means, and means effective directly through the actuation of said cam means for moving one of said pawls free of said ratchet wheel to render said spacing means ineffectual to limit the movement of said recording means to a single character space at a time.

13. In a recorder, means to effect recording operations, spacing means therefor comprising esoapement pawls and a ratchet wheel, means responsive to said recording means for operating said spacing means, said spacing means being adapted to limit the movement of said recording means to a single character space at a time, cam means operable to move one of said escapement pawls free of said ratchet wheel, and an automatic means effective independently of said recording means to operate said cam means to render said spacing means ineffectual to limit the movement of said recording means for a predetermined period.

ALBERT H. REIBER. 

